While the Dolphins await word on whether former No. 3 pick Dion Jordan can play this season, reports indicate that he could show up better than ever.
Per Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, Jordan looks "brand new." In an accompanying story, Beasley notes that Jordan, who is still under suspension for a violation of the league's policy on substances of abuse, has yet to be notified by the NFL if he'll be resinstated for the season. However, Jordan's representatives have been optimistic about his availability for training camp.
At this point, it has to be considered a bonus if Jordan comes in and makes a difference. The team's defensive philosophy has changed drastically since the Dolphins traded up to snag him with the third pick in a historically disappointing 2013 draft. Jordan was taken right after offensive tackles Eric Fisher and Luke Joeckel went to the Chiefs and Jaguars, respectively.
The nice part about all of this for new coach Adam Gase is that the decisions about Jordan's role on the team likely will be made on another level. A portion of Jordan's signing bonus from his rookie contract kicks in just a few days after the start of camp, which could force management's hand if he is reinstated.
That is the big if, after all. No matter how optimistic anyone is about Jordan's return and what he'll look like, he needs to be allowed back on the field.
